Weight loss 101: It’s a great time to start

It has been estimated that 65 percent of American adults are classified as being overweight or obese.

Comment

By Reggie Grovey

The Daily Ardmoreite

By Reggie Grovey

Posted Nov. 30, 2012 at 1:42 AM
Updated Nov 30, 2012 at 9:17 AM

By Reggie Grovey

Posted Nov. 30, 2012 at 1:42 AM
Updated Nov 30, 2012 at 9:17 AM

It has been estimated that 65 percent of American adults are classified as being overweight or obese.

Unfortunately, the concern for our kids’ health being impacted by obesity has become a major issue as well.

This is very important, since excess body weight is most often labeled as a major risk factor for poor health.

Even though uncontrollable factors like genetics, age and gender influence our body composition, it is nice to know we do have control over other factors like foods, vitamins and exercise that help keep us healthy.

Another comforting concept I like about exercise is that you can make the decision to start anytime.

So, if you have not began your physical activity program, its OK, start today.

Just remember to check with your health care professional before beginning your exercise program.

The month of December is a great time to start your quest for establishing healthy habits and weight loss for the new year.

For weight reduction, decreasing body fat and body weight is important, and may be achieved when a negative energy balance is maintained.

Keeping your metabolism burning at a high rate is crucial for maximal caloric expenditure.

It all begins with five to six small healthy meals spread out evenly throughout the day, and providing your body all the essential vitamins, and minerals necessary to fill in every nutritional gap.

When you provide your body what it needs, it has an amazing ability to perform at a high level and do what it is supposed to.

It will help you burn the fat, keep your immune system strong, keep your intestines clean, build the lean muscle, and so much more as it relates to your better health, performance, quality of life, and ultimately weight loss.

Our body burns calories in several ways.

One way our body expends a large percentage of energy (65 to 70 percent), is by supporting the physiological functions of normal life (breathing etc…).

Another component of energy expenditure is the thermal effect of digesting the foods we eat (10 percent).

The remaining 15 to 30 percent of energy expenditure comes from our physical activity which includes occupational, recreational, daily activities and structured exercise.

Here are a few safe weight loss guidelines for you:

· Caloric intake should not be lower than 1,200 calories per day to stay strong.

Since muscle burns more calories than fat, it makes it easier to achieve your negative caloric balance, maintain a healthy body composition, improves your physical independence, quality of life, as well as weight loss.

Until next week’s column, please make it a nutritious and healthy day.

For more information on getting started on weight loss and healthy nutrition products, stop by Reggie’s Personal Training & Nutrition shop, 104 E. main, Shawnee, or call Reggie at 613-0237, or email at reggiesnutrition@hotmail.com.